Summary

On 26 October 2012, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 aircraft, registered VH-LQG, departed Perth on a scheduled passenger service to Geraldton, Western Australia. Shortly after takeoff, at about 700 ft, the captain observed a weather balloon above, in his 1 o’clock position. The captain advised the first officer, who immediately initiated a slight left turn. The balloon was observed to pass about 10-20 m laterally from the right wingtip. The captain advised air traffic control.